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FDLE agents on Wednesday said they are "reviewing" those claims to see if an investigation is needed.

On Tuesday, FDLE Assistant Special Agent in Charge Danny Banks said in a text message to WESH 2, "We have forwarded (the claims) to our Executive Investigations office in Tallahassee and they will investigate."

A candidate for Orange County heriff, John Tegg, claims the Orange County Sheriff's Department and Sheriff Jerry Demings are intentionally falsifying reports to drive down crime statistics in the tourist corridor.

A spokeswoman for the Orlando FDLE office said the department is merely reviewing the allegations and it's too early to say whether it will investigate.

"I believe it was an overstatement because until we know what's there, we don't know if there needs to be an investigation," said FDLE Orlando spokeswoman Susie Murphy.

In responding to the allegations, Demings told WESH 2, "We report the numbers accurately, they are what they are."

Demings said he hopes the FDLE inquiry can finally put the issue to rest.

"As of today, I still have not been contacted by FDLE, so all I know about that is what you've told me. But I welcome the review," said Demings.

Murphy said "it's more appropriate" for its Executive Investigations office in Tallahassee to handle complex allegations against the sitting sheriff of Orange County. There is no timetable on when that inquiry will be completed.